* Nature: This was arguably the most prominent theme. Romantic poets saw nature as a source of inspiration, beauty, and spiritual renewal. They frequently depicted natural landscapes in detail, using vivid imagery to evoke emotion and a sense of awe. Think Wordsworth's "Tintern Abbey" or Coleridge's "Kubla Khan."
* The Sublime: This refers to an experience of awe and terror inspired by the vastness and power of nature. Romantic poets were fascinated by the sublime, seeing it as a way to connect with something larger than themselves.
* Emotion and Imagination: Romantic poets emphasized the importance of feeling and intuition over reason and logic. They explored a wide range of emotions, from joy and love to grief and despair, often using highly personal and subjective language.
* Individualism and Rebellion: They often celebrated the individual and questioned authority, both political and social. They championed personal freedom and self-expression.
* The Supernatural and the Gothic: A fascination with the mysterious, the supernatural, and the gothic was common. This manifested in poems that explored dreams, visions, and the darker aspects of human experience.
* Love and Loss: Love, both romantic and familial, was a central theme, but so was the pain of loss and death. The intense emotion surrounding these experiences was a common subject matter.
* Revolution and Social Change: Many Romantic poets were inspired by the ideals of the French Revolution and were concerned with social justice and political reform.
* Memory and Nostalgia: The past, both personal and historical, held a significant place in Romantic poetry, often evoking feelings of nostalgia and longing.
It's important to remember that these themes often intertwined. For example, a poem about love might also explore the beauty of nature and the power of emotion. The emphasis and specific expression of these themes varied from poet to poet.